Kyoto Racecourse witnessed a layered and compelling Monday on January 12, where emerging talent, proven connections, and a pivotal three-year-old test came together across a twelve-race program running from 10:05am to 4:25pm. The meeting steadily built toward its centrepiece, Race 11 – The Nikkan Sports Sho Shinzan Kinen (G3), a ¥78,120,000 contest that once again underlined its reputation as a decisive early-season marker for Japan’s classic generation.
The curtain rose with Race 1 Maiden contest, where Water Sagrada, Love Never Dies, and Red Levendis filled the frame. Christophe Lemaire guided the unbeaten three-year-old colt home in 1:13.3, delivering a composed mid-pack surge. Trained by Koshiro Take and owned by Masato Yamaoka, Water Sagrada added further depth to a pedigree already proven at the highest level as a full sibling to Fantasy Stakes winner Water Navillera.
Momentum carried into Race 2 another Maiden fixture, as Savoire Faire, Viento de Cola, and Black Coral settled the placings. Kohei Matsuyama partnered the Epiphaneia colt to a 1:54.3 success for trainer Haruki Sugiyama. The colt’s victory reinforced strong expectations surrounding his bloodline, which includes 2016 Japanese Derby hero Makahiki.
In Race 3, Godolphin’s investment paid dividends through Festive Dress, who led home Anthisma and Aster Epoisses. Mirai Iwata delivered a precise ride, with the filly clocking 1:26.6 under Inao Okada’s care, highlighting the stable’s steady progress with developing fillies.
Debutantes took centre stage in Race 4 for Newcomers, where American Style, Kirios, and A Shin In Out finished in that order. Christophe Lemaire again featured prominently, steering the Gun Runner colt to a determined one-length victory in 1:54.7 for trainer Hideaki Fujiwara, repelling a late challenge in the straight.
Another newcomer event followed in Race 5, as Nishino Sarina, Salt Iris, and Sapporo Ikuko filled the podium. Kenichi Ikezoe guided the filly to a polished debut success in 1:35.9, offering a timely reminder of her strong family ties, including graded winner Seiun Hades.
Experience prevailed in Race 6 an Allowance, where Lady Godiva, Aristocracia, and Matenro Silvia featured prominently. Katsuma Sameshima’s victory ride marked a significant milestone, recording his 600th JRA career win as Lady Godiva stopped the clock at 1:55.0 for trainer Ken Kozaki.
Speed returned in Race 7 – Allowance, with Meikei Rein, A Shin Mars, and Even Better deciding the outcome. Yuichiro Shibata executed a sharp front-running display, bringing the four-year-old colt home in 1:25.1 for trainer Kazuya Nakatake.
A rare finish unfolded in Race 8 another Allowance, where Grail Quest, Moment Catch, and Dignite were separated only by the judge. Atsuya Nishimura’s mount shared the line in a dead heat after completing the distance in 2:00.3, reflecting the competitive depth of the contest.
Staying power took focus in Race 9 – BIWAKO TOKUBETSU, won by Arrondi ahead of Bond Loa and Fleuraison. The colt’s 2:24.7 performance secured trainer Hidenori Take his 200th JRA career victory, while jockey Atsuya Nishimura completed consecutive race wins.
In Race 10 – MIYABI STAKES, Mokku Mokku, Wide Blizzard, and Patient Sien shaped the finish. Christophe Lemaire delivered a patient midfield ride before striking late, landing the ¥36,060,000 feature in 1:51.7 for trainer Ryo Terashima.
The afternoon reached its climax in Race 11 – THE NIKKAN SPORTS SHO SHINZAN KINEN (G3), where Thunderstruck, Sound Move, and Altramuz filled the placings. Ridden by Thore Hammer Hansen, the ninth favourite produced a decisive turn of foot to claim the 1600-metre prize in 1:33.4. Trained by Tetsuya Kimura and owned by Carrot Farm Co. Ltd., the colt delivered Hansen his first JRA graded success, adding an emotional edge to a prestigious result.
The card concluded with Race 12, as Kelheim, Aqua Eye, and Moonlit Isle rounded out the final standings. Riki Takasugi partnered the Yuichi Fukunaga-trained filly to a smooth victory in 1:22.2, closing the meeting on a confident note.
From maiden breakthroughs to graded-race celebration, Kyoto Race Results 12 January delivered a day rich in narrative and momentum. The performances recorded across the program will echo well beyond this meeting, with several names now firmly placed on watchlists heading deeper into the season.
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